UKRAINIAN CITIZENS ALREADY IN THE UK ON EXISTING VISAS (E.G., SEASONAL WORK, STUDENT OR VISITING FAMILY)

Ukrainians already in the UK will be able to extend their visa or switch to another immigration route, where eligible.

Government visa information for those in the UK already (in English, Ukrainian and Russian): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukrainian-nationals-in-the-uk-visa-support

For those with existing visas/leave to remain in the UK who require further advice, call the Home Office helpline: 0808 164 8810.  Calls are free.

From 3 May, the Government is introducing a Ukraine Extension Scheme which will give Ukrainians already in the UK on temporary visas, alongside their family members, three years’ leave and full access to work, study and public funds.
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IMMIGRATION ADVICE

There are many groups on social media who are sharing advice and experiences, but we recommend you either call the Home Office helpline or seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer.  

This group of immigration lawyers provides free advice about immigration status or other immigration issues: https://advice-Ukraine.co.uk/  email: projectu@dlapiper.com

In addition, some charities provide free immigration advice, but note that not all will be able to provide advice in Ukrainian. The Refugee Council has set up a useful list of resources available across the country and in Northern Ireland: https://www.asaproject.org/resources/organisations-who-can-help

Important information on how to find a registered immigration lawyer and avoid scams (written in Ukrainian and English) can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1060092/OISC_Flyer_-_March_2022._FINAL_pdf.pdf
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UKRAINIAN CITIZENS APPLYING TO JOIN THEIR FAMILY MEMBER(S) ALREADY IN THE UK  

This information is for you:

• if you are applying to join a family member who is already in the UK as part of the Family Visa Scheme
  
• or you are in the UK and want to bring members of your family here

To apply for the Ukraine Family Scheme you must:

• be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member; and
  
• be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme; and
  
• have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)
  

Note that you can apply if you have already arrived in the UK and meet the requirements above. Your application will, in all circumstances, be subject to security checks.

Family members can be sponsored by:

• a British national
  
• someone settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
  
• someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
  
• someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
  

Family members cannot be sponsored by someone in the UK on a work or study visa. However, if you are in the UK on a partner visa, your partner might be able to sponsor your family members instead.

You must provide evidence that your UK-based family member is one of the following:

• an extended family member
  
• an immediate family member of an extended family member